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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Venice is best known as a centre of religious art, daubed across small yet stunning Catholic churches and scuole. But there’s also a vibrant contemporary art scene: a slew of good commercial art galleries, the palatial collections of world-class patrons such as Peggy Guggenheim, and the world-famous Venice Biennale.

Accademia Gallery (Venice)

Venice, Veneto, Italy

From Titian to Tiepolo, the Accademia’s world-class collection represents the Golden Age of Venetian painting. A dazzling collection of masterpieces but also a voyage through the history of Venice itself.

Best for ages: 18+ | £15

Art in Venice’s Scuole

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Venice’s 400-odd historic scuole (schools) were established partly as religious institutions, partly as guilds. The six most powerful ‘Scuole Grandi’ commissioned the great artists of the day to beautify their headquarters, where today the artworks are still intact.

Best for ages: 18+ | £0

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Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Of all Venice’s many churches, the huge, Franciscan barn-like Frari (1338-1469) is one of the most art-packed. It boasts the second-highest bell tower in the city and a severe exterior, but once inside, the quality of the art is extraordinary.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

Church of Madonna dell’Orto
Experience

Church of Madonna dell’Orto

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Way off-piste in northern Cannaregio, Madonna ‘of the Garden’ (1399-1473) is stuffed with paintings by the great Venetian master who is also buried here along with his son and daughter. A highlight is his beautiful painting of St. Agnes in the Contarini Chapel.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Tour: Venice Art and Architecture Walking Tour

Private Tour: Venice Art and Architecture Walking Tour

Venice

Discover the incomparable art and architecture of Venice on a private walking tour with your very own guide. You'll focus on areas of archit...

€240 | Rating 4.04 / 5 [22 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Ca Maria Adele

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Perfect for a honeymoon or other  romantic celebrations, this intimate, stylish and sophisticated bolt-hole lies just across a pretty bridge from the Salute church in artsy Dorsoduro. The rooms are extravagant and sexy, the service personalised and charming.

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Belmond Cipriani

Venice, Veneto, Italy

A legendary 5-star resort hotel that combines the beauties of La Serenissima with A-grade facilities and service. Its dreamy Giudecca location is a boon when the calle of Venice’s historic centre are clogged with tourists in high season.

Official star rating:

Hotel Corte di Gabriela

Venice, Veneto, Italy

An 11-room boutique hotel with a lovely courtyard, personalised service and a centralissima location within easy reach of the Accademia, the Rialto and Piazza San Marco. The contemporary, design-led interior provides a refreshing contrast to the usual flock wallpaper and swathes of brocade.

Official star rating:

Gritti Palace

Venice, Veneto, Italy

The grandest Dame of Venice’s classic hotels and wonderfully opulent, the Gritti lords it over the Grand Canal from a superb spot across from the Salute church and just 10 minutes’ walk from Piazza San Marco.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Venice

Veneto, Italy

Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.

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Round-ups that include this experience